Cremer proud despite 'rollercoaster of emotions'

With Zimbabwe having come so close to winning their first Test against Sri Lanka, and fallen short, there was disappointment for captain Graeme Cremer. Disappointment about missing a vital stumping chance and two catches on day five. Disappointment that a third-umpire's decision Zimbabwe felt was straightforward, went against them. And even some disappointment that their next international assignment is as far away as October, so there is nowhere really to put all this confidence they have built up on this tour.

But trumping all of that, he said, was pride.

"We thought 388 was going to be tough - especially on the last day. We had picked up three wickets yesterday so we only needed to pick up seven today. It has been a sort of a rollercoaster of emotions. But I am still proud of the way the guys played and the way they fought. I'm very proud of the way the guys played to win an ODI series here. Then push them in the Test match and almost beat them, and into the fifth afternoon - it's a good effort from our boys."

A "rollercoaster" partly because Zimbabwe had been in control of the match, when Cremer dismissed the overnight pair in the first hour, leaving Sri Lanka five down with 185 runs still to get. They should have been six down with 151 to get, had third umpire C Shamshuddin ruled Niroshan Dickwella out when he was stumped on 37. It was a close decision: no part of the popping crease was visible behind Dickwella's boot at the moment the bails came off. However, it was unlikely that any part of the boot was behind the crease either, which should result in an "out" decision.

"From what I saw, I honestly didn't see any doubt as to why he shouldn't be out," Cremer said. "It's just one of those things. If you've got technology, it clearly shows it. It happens to us quite a lot as well, we feel. It's tough when those things go against you, especially when you are trying to win a Test match on a last day."

Zimbabwe's strength right through the tour has been their batting. They became the first team to successfully chase a score of over 300 in Sri Lanka, in the first ODI, and breached 350 in both innings in this match. The score of 377 in the second innings was particularly impressive, as Zimbabwe had been 59 for 5 at one stage.

"It's usually with the bat that we struggle a bit, but having lost early wickets in the first and second innings, it shows that guys' skill levels have improved, to be able pull it back the way we did, and get over 350 in both innings," Cremer said. "We've still got a lot of work to do - a bit more with the ball. And when we get into a position like we were in the first innings, we could have probably got 400. It's a learning curve for us because we don't get to play a lot of Test cricket. The way the guys fought was excellent."

While Sri Lanka will immediately begin preparing for a long home series against India, Zimbabwe lay dormant across all formats through the months of August and September. Cremer hoped the team's performance on this tour would help Zimbabwe Cricket leverage other cricket boards, in securing a fuller schedule.

"Even before this Test match our Managing Director said he wanted to push for more Test cricket and more cricket in general. We have shown that we can push big teams even away from home. We have West Indies coming to us for two tests in October, and we're confident of pushing them because we're playing in Zimbabwe.

"Ireland and Afghanistan are also competitive teams, so now that they have Test status, I'm hoping we get more cricket."

Cremer's comments on the Dickwella stumping are not very sportsmanlike and professional. It was the decision of an independent umpire and should be accepted in the spirit of the game. It is disappointing when a losing captain makes comments like this to devalue SL's victory.

watuda2584036
on July 20, 2017, 9:11 GMT

We all make mistakes. Some go your way and some are not. Benefit of the doubt always goes to the BATSMAN. The line belongs to the umpire. He needs real constructive evidence to give the batsman out. In this case there was none. Besides during the one day series there were few decisions went against Lankans as well. Congrats to both the teams. Good luck with India.

izzido8204666
on July 20, 2017, 7:34 GMT

Zimbabwe should be very proud of their performance in Sri Lanka in the ODI's and the test series . Though they lost the test series due to poor umpiring decisions they out played Sri Lanka in every department and in the ODI's winning 2-1. No country has ever dominated over Sri Lanka at home. Only an year ago Sri Lanka whitewashed the Aussies 3-0 in the test series but lost both the ODI's and the T20's 3-0 and 2-0. Hope this performance by Zimbabwe will help to kick start the quality and standard of Zimbabwe cricket which has stalled in recent years.

Indika
on July 20, 2017, 4:08 GMT

Welcome to international cricket creamer. Sri Lanka too has been in the receiving end for many years. We got some unbelievable decisions in SA Australia England NZ India etc.Once Rudy Courtson gave a shocker to Kumar sanga in Australia when he was on 191 and SL lost the match by few runs. But tell your team mates to hold on to the catches.Rather than putting the blame on the umpires....put the blame on your players.

Manik
on July 20, 2017, 3:49 GMT

One thing is sure that SL needs to wake up. Herath may leave soon. Find some good bowlers to take wickets in test. Even in home condition, a team ranked 10th gave you a nightmare. What can you say after this?

chandras
on July 20, 2017, 2:28 GMT

Zimbabwe lost because of the missed chances by their fielders.so don't blame the umpires.some says it's 50/50.some say umpires decision was right.somesay its wrong.these things can happen in matches.if you hold to your chances and take catches no need to blame anyone.sri lanka too had bad experience in the past with other countries with regards to umpiring decisions.but you cant keep on saying that.you have to find a way to get the wickets.hold catches.

Nimmie
on July 19, 2017, 17:09 GMT

These incidents are all part and parcel of the Game, some writers has always been lamenting defeats of oppositions as if they haven't experienced these types of situations before.

ashwin3748344
on July 19, 2017, 16:21 GMT

SL can only survive by umpiring errors.

cricfan5051178936
on July 19, 2017, 16:02 GMT

I think zim was just unlucky

Six
on July 19, 2017, 15:55 GMT

It's out and Zim may have won. It should be investigated.

Carlyle
on July 20, 2017, 9:54 GMT

Cremer's comments on the Dickwella stumping are not very sportsmanlike and professional. It was the decision of an independent umpire and should be accepted in the spirit of the game. It is disappointing when a losing captain makes comments like this to devalue SL's victory.

watuda2584036
on July 20, 2017, 9:11 GMT

We all make mistakes. Some go your way and some are not. Benefit of the doubt always goes to the BATSMAN. The line belongs to the umpire. He needs real constructive evidence to give the batsman out. In this case there was none. Besides during the one day series there were few decisions went against Lankans as well. Congrats to both the teams. Good luck with India.

izzido8204666
on July 20, 2017, 7:34 GMT

Zimbabwe should be very proud of their performance in Sri Lanka in the ODI's and the test series . Though they lost the test series due to poor umpiring decisions they out played Sri Lanka in every department and in the ODI's winning 2-1. No country has ever dominated over Sri Lanka at home. Only an year ago Sri Lanka whitewashed the Aussies 3-0 in the test series but lost both the ODI's and the T20's 3-0 and 2-0. Hope this performance by Zimbabwe will help to kick start the quality and standard of Zimbabwe cricket which has stalled in recent years.

Indika
on July 20, 2017, 4:08 GMT

Welcome to international cricket creamer. Sri Lanka too has been in the receiving end for many years. We got some unbelievable decisions in SA Australia England NZ India etc.Once Rudy Courtson gave a shocker to Kumar sanga in Australia when he was on 191 and SL lost the match by few runs. But tell your team mates to hold on to the catches.Rather than putting the blame on the umpires....put the blame on your players.

Manik
on July 20, 2017, 3:49 GMT

One thing is sure that SL needs to wake up. Herath may leave soon. Find some good bowlers to take wickets in test. Even in home condition, a team ranked 10th gave you a nightmare. What can you say after this?

chandras
on July 20, 2017, 2:28 GMT

Zimbabwe lost because of the missed chances by their fielders.so don't blame the umpires.some says it's 50/50.some say umpires decision was right.somesay its wrong.these things can happen in matches.if you hold to your chances and take catches no need to blame anyone.sri lanka too had bad experience in the past with other countries with regards to umpiring decisions.but you cant keep on saying that.you have to find a way to get the wickets.hold catches.

Nimmie
on July 19, 2017, 17:09 GMT

These incidents are all part and parcel of the Game, some writers has always been lamenting defeats of oppositions as if they haven't experienced these types of situations before.

ashwin3748344
on July 19, 2017, 16:21 GMT

SL can only survive by umpiring errors.

cricfan5051178936
on July 19, 2017, 16:02 GMT

I think zim was just unlucky

Six
on July 19, 2017, 15:55 GMT

It's out and Zim may have won. It should be investigated.

ian
on July 19, 2017, 15:29 GMT

It is down to the ICC to ensure the umpires appointed to officiate at Test matches know the laws . With a clear camera angle available for the contentious stumping, there shouldn't have even been a moment's hesitation. Creamer is right to feel aggrieved. That wretched decision may well have cost Zim the match.

Lal
on July 19, 2017, 15:25 GMT

If mm is behind the stump, naked eye fails to distinguish but based on zoom-out view, doubt of the benefit goes to the batsman. Just like in tennis, zoom out view should have shown in big screen if mm is behind the stump. It is done for run outs and no one weeps about the call. Wish that ICC make this controversial video clips is available for cricket fans to view. It is true that game was 50-50 at that point.

tichao2147390
on July 19, 2017, 14:52 GMT

@manjula and @joe it's best to reserve your comments. Dickwella is the one who whose scoring rate kept srilanka in he match. Had he been removed for 29 the next 50 odd runs he scored would not have been scored at that rate. Before he came on the rate was under 2.0 rpo and he bumped it up to 3.5-4.0rpo. If you cannot see the significance of that stumping it is unfortunate and hope you have people around you who can help you understand he dynamics of the game better

Joe
on July 19, 2017, 13:14 GMT

Instead of pondering how Dickwella survived, Cremer should appreciate the courage of SL batsmen overcoming a large total in the last inning on the last day.
Zim has done well in the ODI series and should maintain the form in the future games.
Will see how things play out.

manjula
on July 19, 2017, 12:59 GMT

Dickwella given out or not out will not change things because Asela is the one that took the game away. I see Asela or Dickwella becoming next SL best leader to as they are not afraid to take risks and to change.

alim079408689
on July 19, 2017, 12:48 GMT

It was a close decision: no part of the popping crease was visible behind Dickwella's boot at the moment the bails came off. However, it was unlikely that any part of the boot was behind the crease either, which should result in an "out" decision.

Steve
on July 19, 2017, 12:48 GMT

Whether Zim would have won or not if Dickwella had been given out, but it is unpardonable if umpires still make mistakes given all the technology aides. Offending umpires should be fined, just like players are for on-field offenses like sledging, slow over rates, aggressive send-offs, etc.

Francis
on July 19, 2017, 12:37 GMT

@ASHIQUR RAHMAN
India did not feature in this game, try and keep your comments relevant.

Great win by SL, but Zim really won our hearts!

hirron
on July 19, 2017, 12:31 GMT

Zimbabwe has long way to go before they cinsider themselves world class team.Just because they win a rare ODI win doesn't quite translate them as world class players, far short of that league of team.Lets hope they can keep the momentum going.As far as india team concern they are good team in general but can slide at times.Lets hope india tour of sri lanka will give thrilling finale to the cricketing fans on both countries

ahszar3539650
on July 19, 2017, 12:09 GMT

Zimbabwe need to not invite but tour more abroad so their players can show their full abilities. At home, ZIM pitches are useless to them most of the times.

amila.6150174
on July 19, 2017, 12:03 GMT

If Dickwella was given out it would have been a huge challange for sri lanka ... the third umpire should be fined or suspended .. after having all the technology and viewing from all angles he still makes the wrong decision ... really bad . I been a sri lankan supporter felt really bad when he gave it not out

Hozefa
on July 19, 2017, 11:24 GMT

@prashant. Not to worry chap, He (pranto) will know once India leave Srilanka after finishing the tour of 3 test/5 one day/t20. We don't need to tell them who is weak and who is strong. Ranking itself is telling a lot and it will be prove in upcoming series against them. For me it would be boring and one side contest in favor of India. No point to organize this series rather. Better if India would have gone to Australia. Anyway sorry for Srilanka for the series result in advance.

cluelessjan1
on July 19, 2017, 11:23 GMT

@Niranjan good point. best is have a separate league for 9th rank and below.

Sanjay
on July 19, 2017, 11:11 GMT

Deffo need to quickly arrange some Tests between Zim and Afg/Ireland. It's a no brainer..... so it won't happen!

ps: Well played, Zimbabwe. You exceeded my expectations for sure, I put too much emphasis on that loss to Scotland only a few weeks back but you showed that game was more an aberration than norm.

Niranjan
on July 19, 2017, 10:55 GMT

Zim has to wait till Oct for their next series and now we have 2 more teams with test status!

prashant
on July 19, 2017, 10:40 GMT

@pranto. As per your comments weak teams like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were in the final and semis of CT. We can understand your failure against Zimbabwe.

bhanu67325088
on July 19, 2017, 10:31 GMT

The lone Test match went almost unnoticed but for the brilliant show by both the teams.Zimbabwe might have lost the Test but they have won many hearts.Its time the ICC gave a serious thought of allotting more Test matches to emerging nations like Zimbabwe,Bangladesh,Afghanistan. After their stellar performances in the ODI's and solitary Test in Sri Lanka , Zimbabwe sure appears to be ready to throw the gauntlet to any cricketing nation.

Agney
on July 19, 2017, 10:29 GMT

@BRAD Aussie umpires!!! The reason we have neutral umpires for home tests today

Ash
on July 19, 2017, 10:23 GMT

@pranto : Spot on mate. Your wishes are granted. India is coming with lot of internal problems with coach, captain and great bowling coach. At the end of the day, if SL can't beat the visiting India in in their home soil, then they have to arrange few tests with Ireland and Afghanistan. I do not think they can win against Afghanistan but they have a chance with Ireland in their home soil with spinning mine field. No point of playing BD because they tried it and failed but good luck against India.

a
on July 19, 2017, 10:22 GMT

great to see them joining the rest of the pack quality wise - onward and upward

gaurav3225934
on July 19, 2017, 9:47 GMT

Zim fought with passion and pride. They should get more test matches regularly.

Marcus
on July 19, 2017, 9:38 GMT

why dont sri lanka recall their mystery spinner ajantha mendis who the sri lankan chief selector Sanath Jayasooriya sent out of the squad the very next day he was selected by the elite ICC panel to be the best ODI bowler for the year 2014 and this same panel on that day selected him to be the only Sri Lankan Cricketer to be in the world ODI eleven for the year 2014 can Gurusinghe Murali Sanga or Mahela let us know what has happened to the mystery spinner whom we were confident would have won us the world cup 2015 he seems to have just dissappeared

brad
on July 19, 2017, 9:27 GMT

indian umpire says enough

Tom
on July 19, 2017, 9:26 GMT

You cannot blame one single umpiring decision on the outcome. There used to be local umpires not very long ago and no third umpire. The neutral umpires absolutely makes it 50-50 so no issue here. It's just his judgement and he is absolutely right when in doubt it should go in batsman favor. Zimbabwe are frustrated and that's understandable. There are factors for this loss as the missed several chances and don't make changes in the bowling as required. I give credit to the batsman that they survived in tough conditions and under neutral umpires and won it. Despite a brilliant performance by Zimbabwe this is a fact that Srilanka is way below par and this is their lowest. A team who never lost to top sides at home is struggling is very surprising. There is something wrong and Srilanka will figure out. Zimbabwe won't get this chance in few years. The Zimbabwaevof 90s was a top class side that beat all countries. Now with new quota policies they are lowly ranked side.

kudakwashe
on July 19, 2017, 9:17 GMT

i think Creamer will be better Captain after this tour. Now Zimbabwe is in Safe hands in Creamer

pranto
on July 19, 2017, 9:08 GMT

Zimbabwe should invite weak teams like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan,Ireland etc to have some equal contest.

Sthitaprajna
on July 19, 2017, 9:02 GMT

Probably its time to have a 3 membr team as 3rd umpire.3 of the umpires will vote for a decision and based on max votes decision sud be made.
I feel having a single umpire puts lot of pressure on a person when things r touch n go.

making it a 3 member team can bring in surprising decisions bt it wil b like a jury thng and general public cant really blame on any person.

pranto
on July 19, 2017, 8:58 GMT

Zimbabwe should have more matches against us.We barely managed to draw every series against BD in our home and lost odi series to Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe should have won this test series if umpire was not sick.our Sri Lanka team should organise more series against similar teams like Afghanistan,Pakistan,Kenya,Ireland, Scotland,PNG, India,Bangladesh,Zimbabwe etc.

shubham
on July 19, 2017, 8:58 GMT

Zimbabwe need a better wicketkeeper. Apart from this horrendous third umpire decision, Chakabva was all over the place, dropping catches, missing stumpings, giving byes, and not even scoring runs. Not good enough for international cricket at this moment.

Tin
on July 19, 2017, 8:58 GMT

@MURTAMAK He's from India.

Tin
on July 19, 2017, 8:28 GMT

There was nothing behind the line during Dickwella incident. If you wear SL shades you'd see a micrometer of material behind that line and console yourself to think it's not out. But in reality it was dead on the crease so it was out.

Cricinfouser
on July 19, 2017, 8:11 GMT

No part of Dickwella shoe behind the crease and someone should ask shamshudin what has convinced him to have not out..

Murtamak
on July 19, 2017, 8:10 GMT

What an appalling decision by the Bengladeshi umpire! Ridiculous how you can botch straight forward decisions with technology there to assist you! Just as players are investigated for questionable offences, Shamsuddin should also be looked into and demoted from the category which makes him eligible to be in a position to cast judgement over test matches in the future! Ifs and Buts however that decision could have had a huge impact on the final result, had ZIM been rewarded the wicket they not only deserved but had also achieved but for a questionable decision!

shreyas
on July 19, 2017, 8:08 GMT

now it's time has came that ICC should start test championship. by giving meaning to bilateral test series more value. let's have it. 3 match minimum

Ash
on July 19, 2017, 8:04 GMT

@ sam: I do not think Creamer showed any arrogance in first place. You said " Creamer for a low ranked spinner -picking a richly deserved 9 W haul-and was the go-to man for his team" Exactly, but then you could have added "against a mighty SL team". Then you continued " when the other team just set up a recd breaking 4th inngs chase on a 5th day pitch to earn a hard fought W. Learn to give due credit" Now is that not against the same low ranked lone spinner against a highly ranked mighty SL team (hardly there was any other threatening bowler) ?? You contradict yourself. Remember if SL win, then it is against that low ranked spinner and Creamer got wickets of mighty SL batsmen.

Raman
on July 19, 2017, 7:18 GMT

Despite the loss, Zimbabwe did very well during the tour. In contrast to previous visitors, Bangladesh, who did not win anything substantial other than drawing all series, Zimbabwe won the limited over series and lot of kudos. They should be able to beat Bangladesh easily if given a tour soon.

Cricinfouser
on July 19, 2017, 7:05 GMT

I've said it before, the 'minnow' test nations always seem to get more of a raw deal with umpires & shocking decisions like the crucial one in this test just finished. 'I'm hoping we get more cricket' says the admirable Cremer. I've also said Zimbabwe need to be proactive & arrange a test series v Ireland & or Afghanistan asap. The larger nations will not extend any invitations, that is the harsh reality!

sanjee3993781
on July 19, 2017, 6:45 GMT

Rahman zim beat Pakistan in a test match before 2 years plz check the stats btw Ind has not lost to zim in the last 14 years

cluelessjan1
on July 19, 2017, 6:38 GMT

though SL was under off field drama at the start of the series they did pretty well in the test to win it. ZIM should get more test cricket. ZIM being 10th in ICC Test rankings should play more with 9th rank BD.

Cricinfouser
on July 19, 2017, 5:58 GMT

@PRAJES9287017 , There is no such a thing in cricket as would have ,could have,but ... at the end the team does it better wins the game ,in this case it was SL

sam
on July 19, 2017, 5:27 GMT

You bowled pretty well,Creamer for a low ranked spinner -picking a richly deserved 9 W haul-and was the go-to man for his team. But,a little more grace in defeat will do well,esp when the other team just set up a recd breaking 4th inngs chase on a 5th day pitch to earn a hard fought W. Learn to give due credit ...

udendra
on July 19, 2017, 5:05 GMT

Zimbabwe should play more against Afghanistan and Ireland for the time being, until bigger teams give them more matches.

prajes9287017
on July 19, 2017, 5:03 GMT

To be honest. SL is THE team that starts getting "injuries" "hamstrings" "umpiring errors" when they start losing. Every team does it but SL team beats them all by a huge margin.

prajes9287017
on July 19, 2017, 4:58 GMT

@Jayalath. Asela pulling his hamstring reflects his fitness. Dilruwan getting run out is a case of poor calling. Vis a vis to your comments i can say had the wind been higher or the sea had high tide or the humidity was lower, ZIM would have won. Please appreciate the fantastic performance by the ZIM team instead of wishful excuses.

Jayalath
on July 19, 2017, 4:43 GMT

The match would have turned around if Asela Gunaratne didn't pull his hamstring. If that was the case he wouldn't have been dismissed the way he did in the 1st innings and Dilruwan wouldn't have got runout and SL would have a lead instead of trailing. Then he would have come out and bowled and broken a parntership in the second innings and also taken more singles while batting with Dickwella. So many things could have TURNED AROUND...even before Samsudeen's overhyped decision which was simply about giving the batsman the benefit of the doubt.

Ashiqur Rahman
on July 19, 2017, 4:36 GMT

Its time Zim invites AFG and beat them 5-0 at home. They should also invite Bangladesh and Bangladesh could be challenged by Zim. Im pretty sure India would have been beaten had they found in the similar situation like SL. This Zim team can beat India easily.

anthony
on July 19, 2017, 4:05 GMT

@chris...bitter and hard arent we...most neutrals were romanced by the swashbuckling Zimbabweans

prajes9287017
on July 19, 2017, 3:37 GMT

Here we go again. Another lankan win marred by a horrendous umpiring decision. When will the ICC make umpires accountable. When will the cliches of "Accept the umpires decision" come to an end?

quantm6810091
on July 18, 2017, 22:51 GMT

@Chris I'm pretty sure Cremer accepted the umpires decision, mate. He has nothing to 'learn' here. Umpires' decisions go wrong every now and again and we all move on. He gave credit to Sri Lanka for what was a great chase on a day 5 pitch, didn't he? That doesn't excuse the umpire's error though.

As for Zim being lucky, well, that's a bit ridiculous mate. Sri Lanka's 'problems' aren't Zim's fault are they? The record books will never qualify results based on the opposition's state of disarray. You play the opponent in front of you, period. Maybe you need to LEARN yourself to give credit where it is due. Let's see how 'lucky' India is going to be when they play Sri Lanka next.

Alex
on July 18, 2017, 22:12 GMT

zimbabwe need more fast bowlers with brain. Different wicket keepers. Batting order have to be changed. should have played solomon mire. Heath streak is stupid for not playing solomon mire.

CHRIS
on July 18, 2017, 18:53 GMT

Learn to accept the umpire's decision. You cannot have it all your own way Mr.Cremer. You were lucky to face a group of young Sri Lankans who are in a bit of disarray at the moment due to bad management, selection and interference.

divynl6307086
on July 18, 2017, 18:12 GMT

Reminds me of an interview in which a Zimbabwean player stated that the 1998 defeat was mired by 7-8 controversial umpiring decisions. This was again a horrendous decision by the 3rd umpire, who has pretty much single-handedly introduced DRS to T20s as well, given his horrendous decision earlier in the year, which turned around a game England should have won. Really sad. But then Lanka played well to win it, however, it really would have turned around head at that stage, with the new ball to come in.

Chandrasekhar Kartik
on July 18, 2017, 18:07 GMT

Test cricket from India here.Just watched the highlights.The game at its best.
SL-New kipper.Home ground.Loved Herath's bowling.SL have come to rely on him big time since MM's retirement.Getting close to 400 wickets.Hope he continues to that and a lot more.
Zim- been a fan since the Streak days.Loved ERvine and Raza's knocks.Cremer's 5 wickets were the high point of their innings.Really gutted for them to lose.Hope he gets a T20 contract with some league too.
Test cricket at its best.

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 17:06 GMT

@Flint Marsh Miller Yes match practice helps. A tours are also important for player development.

Flint Marsh Miller
on July 18, 2017, 16:31 GMT

With WI coming in october my hope is that Zim A(Zimbabwe) playes with SAA or other guys before the WI tests because Zim we r like an iron when you plug it it doesn't mean it will get hot right away evidence is the Scotland and Netherlands tours and how they made us better prepared to Beat SL in the odis...wish we played with SL A or some other team before this test things would have been different

Christin
on July 18, 2017, 16:16 GMT

Creamer is not a bowler his career bowling avg is 52 before this test. In every over he bowls atleast one loose bowl ie short/leg side bowl.

Anura
on July 18, 2017, 16:14 GMT

Give credit to Zim. They played an excellent game and really challenged the higher ranked team. I don't think Zim need to be whining about Dickwella's stumping chance. Who knows Perera could have done the damage even if Dickwella were to get out. Perera is a decent bat. SL needs to improve their bowling overnight. Otherwise, the super duper Indian batsmen are going to chew them.

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 15:04 GMT

Just like Zim prepared for SL by played 2 games in Scotland and 3 in Netherlands, I think Zim could do 2 games in HK, 3 games in PNG and then play Afghanistan in India (Afghanistan's home ground) in principle.

tichao2147390
on July 18, 2017, 15:01 GMT

But this isn't the way it is... there is technology precisely to avoid what happened against Zimbabwe. Surely the match referee should make note of this and perhaps their powers should include overturning a clearly wrong decision by any one of the three empires in a college with the remaining two... perhaps something the ICC can look into coz this is hogwash! Zim should have won this match and would have had Dickwella properly been given out. This third empire has no business in being an empire, no sir not at all!

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 15:01 GMT

Irish and Afghans have empty schedules. Could invite Scotland to Zim. Also Hong Kong and PNG have odi status but haven't played a odi against a full member. Like Sco and the Dutch I think they would be happy to host Zim.

Jitendra
on July 18, 2017, 14:55 GMT

Again, a lankan win involves a controversial decision!!

Rajasundram
on July 18, 2017, 14:45 GMT

The TV umpire should also come from a country that is not involved in the match. Right now rhere could be a feeling that since Shamsuddin being a Sri Lankan was favouring his side.
But the fact may be that there was an element of doubt and he gave the benefit of the doubt to the batsman.
I thinl Zimbabwe played out of their skins butthe two catches lostthe match. The old adage "Catches win matches" was also the reason why SL lost the ODIs.

Garry
on July 18, 2017, 14:44 GMT

I watched that stumping on replay, it was a very strange decision.

Saroj1573
on July 18, 2017, 14:44 GMT

brilliant display by zim... hatsoff to u guyz

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 14:41 GMT

It looks like ICC unpires favour stronger teams. At the same time, the 8:3 strategy cost them. Natsai or another specialist spinner should have played instead of an extra batsmen. Batters needto take responsibility. Chatara should have played instead of Mpofu. Chatara's non selection baffles me. Chatara gets swing and seam and would picked a early wicket or two.

No featured comments at the moment.

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 14:41 GMT

It looks like ICC unpires favour stronger teams. At the same time, the 8:3 strategy cost them. Natsai or another specialist spinner should have played instead of an extra batsmen. Batters needto take responsibility. Chatara should have played instead of Mpofu. Chatara's non selection baffles me. Chatara gets swing and seam and would picked a early wicket or two.

Saroj1573
on July 18, 2017, 14:44 GMT

brilliant display by zim... hatsoff to u guyz

Garry
on July 18, 2017, 14:44 GMT

I watched that stumping on replay, it was a very strange decision.

Rajasundram
on July 18, 2017, 14:45 GMT

The TV umpire should also come from a country that is not involved in the match. Right now rhere could be a feeling that since Shamsuddin being a Sri Lankan was favouring his side.
But the fact may be that there was an element of doubt and he gave the benefit of the doubt to the batsman.
I thinl Zimbabwe played out of their skins butthe two catches lostthe match. The old adage "Catches win matches" was also the reason why SL lost the ODIs.

Jitendra
on July 18, 2017, 14:55 GMT

Again, a lankan win involves a controversial decision!!

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 15:01 GMT

Irish and Afghans have empty schedules. Could invite Scotland to Zim. Also Hong Kong and PNG have odi status but haven't played a odi against a full member. Like Sco and the Dutch I think they would be happy to host Zim.

tichao2147390
on July 18, 2017, 15:01 GMT

But this isn't the way it is... there is technology precisely to avoid what happened against Zimbabwe. Surely the match referee should make note of this and perhaps their powers should include overturning a clearly wrong decision by any one of the three empires in a college with the remaining two... perhaps something the ICC can look into coz this is hogwash! Zim should have won this match and would have had Dickwella properly been given out. This third empire has no business in being an empire, no sir not at all!

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 15:04 GMT

Just like Zim prepared for SL by played 2 games in Scotland and 3 in Netherlands, I think Zim could do 2 games in HK, 3 games in PNG and then play Afghanistan in India (Afghanistan's home ground) in principle.

Anura
on July 18, 2017, 16:14 GMT

Give credit to Zim. They played an excellent game and really challenged the higher ranked team. I don't think Zim need to be whining about Dickwella's stumping chance. Who knows Perera could have done the damage even if Dickwella were to get out. Perera is a decent bat. SL needs to improve their bowling overnight. Otherwise, the super duper Indian batsmen are going to chew them.

Christin
on July 18, 2017, 16:16 GMT

Creamer is not a bowler his career bowling avg is 52 before this test. In every over he bowls atleast one loose bowl ie short/leg side bowl.

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